January 2016
Volume 19, Number 1
BEACH EROSION AT LIGHTHOUSE EXPOSES FOUNDATION
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Presidents
Message
2
Tours
3
Gear Damage
3
Erosion (cont.)
4
USCG Award
8
Volunteer
Spotlight
9
Visit our
Museum
9
Renewals
10
RECENT TOUR
Flagpole &
Hillsboro Lighthouse
BY ART MAKENIAN
It is estimated that one-third of the
land mass around the Hillsboro
Lighthouse has eroded away and is
gone from its original 1907 land map
area. This erosion threatens the
security of the lighthouse foundation.
The Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation
Society, the caretaker of the
lighthouse under license from the U.S.
Coast Guard, is proposing to restore
the lost portions of the high land and
build a permanent barrier to prevent
further land loss. This proposal will
be identified officially as HLPS Project
16.
The historic Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
was built and commissioned in 1907
and has stood guard over the
Hillsboro River Inlet in Broward
County, Florida for 109 years. What
makes this particular 145 foot tall
lighthouse unique is it has the
strongest light beam of all the other
lighthouses in the United States. Its
beam projects 28 nautical miles out
to sea, and was placed on the
HLPS Shore Erosion, Sept. 28, 2015
(Continued on page 4)
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear HLPS Volunteer Friends and Members.
Welcome to a brand new year with the HLPS – 2016. With this year comes a
few announcements. First, you will notice that there is a new person writing
the “From the President” article. That is because after eight (8) superb years
of being the president of the HLPS, Art Makenian decided that he should step
aside and allow a new face to manage what he took from being a relatively
small organization to what we have today. I know I have very large shoes to fill,
but I am certain I can maintain his continuous upward trend of the HLPS. I am
confident in this because Art is not leaving the HLPS, but rather moving to a
role that will allow him to concentrate on the one thing we all do this for – the
Hillsboro Lighthouse. Art has transitioned to the title of Preservationist and will
spend his time looking after the needs of the lighthouse, while leaving the
daily concerns of the organization to me. The knowledge that Art is still active
coupled with the fact that all of the board members and volunteers have
remained constant, gives me comfort and confidence of success with my new
responsibilities. I have the best support staff for that anyone could hope for.
At this juncture I would just like to take the time to publicly thank Art for his
tenure as president, it’s a lot of hard work for a volunteer job. Thank you
seems too little for all you’ve done. But, thank you Art – you’ve done an
outstanding job. I look forward to the future with you as the Preservationist.
Second, like 2015, we will continue to have twelve (12) tours; we will also
continue with some Sunday tours; but we will be cutting back on the number
of departures on some of the tour dates. This will lead to altered departure
times from the respective dock. Please check the website and our other
literature for the specific dates and times.
Third, I would like to mention the new marker that is scheduled to be erected
on USCG grounds in 2016. The HLPS will be receiving a historic landmark
plaque from the state of Florida. This new sign is currently slated to be placed
at the foot of the lighthouse. Along with the sign, we plan to include an
arrangement of remnants from the old oil house that were recovered from the
sands of the south beach by volunteers during a period of severe erosion in
late 2012. Look forward to more about this landmark after it is erected.
Erosion leads me to my fourth announcement. In the last issue of the Big
Diamond, Art mentioned the erosion concerns on the south footing of the
lighthouse. Since then the HLPS has put together a proposal that is being
presented to the USCG and the state of Florida that should help alleviate
(Continued on page 4)
Page 2
The mission of the Hillsboro Lighthouse
Preservation Society is to promote the
history of the Hillsboro Inlet Light Station
and the Hillsboro Inlet area through
preservation of structures and artifacts,
education and public access tours.
HLPS OFFICERS AND VOLUNTEERS
Ken Herman
President / Webmaster
Daniel E. Gordon
First Vice President
Frederick R. MacLean Jr.
Second Vice President
Charles J. Seitz
Treasurer
John (Jack) Burrie
Secretary
Arthur A. Makenian
Preservationist / President Emeritus
Linda Peck
Membership Chair
Joyce Hagar
Gift Shop Manager
Judy Knoebel
Museum Coordinator
Bill Slager
Tour Coordinator
Edward J. Chandler Esq.
Counsel
Directors
Ed Dietrich
Dan Dodge
Daniel E. Gordon
Stephen Hoczak
Frederick R. MacLean, Jr.
Susan Taylor
Susan Williams
Dave Noderer
Editor
Page 3
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
2015 / 2016 HILLSBORO LIGHT STATION TOUR SCHEDULE
Date
Tour Boat Dock
Sailing Times
Sunday March 6 2016 **
Sands Harbor Resort
9:00
am
10:00
am
11:00
am
12:00
am
1:00
pm
2:00
pm
3:00
pm
Saturday April 9, 2016 ***
Sands Harbor Resort
9:00
am
10:00
am
11:00
am
12:00
am
1:00
pm
2:00
pm
3:00
pm
Saturday May 14, 2016
Sands Harbor Resort
9:00
am
10:00
am
11:00
am
12:00
am
1:00
pm
2:00
pm
3:00
pm
Saturday June 11, 2016
Sands Harbor Resort
8:30
am
9:30
am
10:30
am
Saturday July 16, 2016
Alsdorf Park
8:30
am
9:15
am
10:00
am
11:00
Sands Harbor Resort
9:00
am
10:00
am
11:00
am
12:00
am
1:00
pm
2:00
pm
3:00
pm
Saturday August 20, 2016
**
***
am
Welcome Snowbirds to Hillsboro Lighthouse
Hillsboro Lighthouse 109th Anniversary
HLPS Store Now Online!
http://www.hillsborolighthouse.org/store
Scan code or search for “Hillsboro Lighthouse” Visit our
website for lighthouse history and pictures.
HillsboroLighthouse.org
Memorial Bricks for sale. Support HLPS and become a
part of the Station’s Centennial Patio around the flag pole.
http://www.hillsborolighthouse.org/memorial-bricks
Damaged Gear Replaced
T-shirt of Hillsboro Lighthouse #2
Wear your support for the Hillsboro Lighthouse!
Short sleeve t-shirts 100% cotton and preshrunk. Available in white, blue, and tan. Sizes small, medium, large, extra large. $15.00
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
Page 4
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE (CONTINUED)
future erosion concerns. The state has made grant monies available to organizations to help preserve Florida’s
coastline. It is our hope to be among one of the recipients. I don’t want to get into specifics at this point, but
look for information about this proposal in future issues of the Big Diamond.
Finally, I invite everyone to check out the ongoing changes to our website, www.hillsborolighthouse.org.
Recently we added a number of nostalgic photos as well as newer photos and videos about the lighthouse, our
volunteers, and our members. The online gift shop (www.hillsborolighthouse.org/store) has returned! I
encourage all visitors to the website to send us your suggestions and comments. Most of the changes
mentioned above are due to suggestions from one of our volunteers. Comments and suggestion should be
sent to [email protected].
Ken Herman
President, HLPS
BEACH EROSION AT LIGHTHOUSE EXPOSES FOUNDATION (CONTINUED)
(continued from Page 1)
National Register of Historic Places list in 1978 by the Department of the Interior.
The land and the lighthouse which it stands on are protected from sand erosion by a groin built in 1926 and
refurbished in 1966. It extends from the foot of the lighthouse 260 feet into the ocean. The groin traps and
Page 5
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
BEACH EROSION AT LIGHTHOUSE EXPOSES FOUNDATION (CONTINUED)
accumulates sand that would otherwise drift along the beach face, and in the case of the Hillsboro River
inlet through the barrier island, clog up that inlet. A partial height gap between groin and the south jetty
allows migrating sand to collect in a trap on its south side where a dredge sucks up the flowing sand and
sends it across the inlet through a large pipe to the Pompano Beach shore.
For the past several years, the lighthouse preservation society has observed that the groin was preforming
well during the prevailing easterly and northeasterly winds and currents. But when the wind and current
switches direction to south and southeasterly, 5 foot swells build-up and wash away the immediate south
shore of the lighthouse. This happens when the tide is at its highest level and the wind velocity exceeds 17
mile per hour. Lately these weather conditions have been reoccurring more often.
The Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society proposes a permanent remedy to this problem by adding a
40 foot granite stone spur extension from the upper mid-section of the existing groin, extending
southwesterly and parallel to the south shore. This will reclaim the lost portion of high land, and should
permanently prevent the south beach erosion, the most critical area for the lighthouse foundation.
This project will be managed and financed by the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society and funded by
grants, gifts and funds generated by many other means. The project will be fully coordinated with the US
Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit in Miami, and also with the Army Corps of Engineers in Jacksonville as
required for legal references and approvals. Florida Atlantic University Ocean Engineering Department will
be requested to coordinate technical planning. Assistance from the Hillsboro Inlet District will be required
to redistribute beach sand at the newly created high land areas and beach shore.
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
Page 6
BEACH EROSION AT LIGHTHOUSE EXPOSES FOUNDATION (CONTINUED)
(Continued from page 5)
In October 2015, the Hillsboro Inlet District re-nourished the south side of the lighthouse property to a level
covering the lighthouse foundation. But this measure is far off its original highland mark of 1997. This
proposed Project 16 will re-establish the entire original south boundaries of the highland, and preserve the
south sea shore for recreational boating usage.
The damage to the lighthouse shoreline is definitely a recoverable and correctable condition that must be
undertaken before it becomes a major issue. The lighthouse preservation society is confident that the present
timing is perfect, considering the human resources and the energy available through grants available in 2016
through the Coastal Partnership Initiative by the Florida Coastal Management Program. The Hillsboro
Lighthouse Preservation Society seriously considers this proposal to secure the structural integrity of the
lighthouse foundation and is willing to take charge of this project before losing those resources. After all, this
unique lighthouse, the pride of Broward County, should be and will be here on this ground for many years to
come.
HILLSBORO LIGHTHOUSE PRESERVATION SOCIETY, INC. (HLPS) IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT,
CHAPTER 496.405, FLORIDA STATUTES: REGISTRATION #CH8700. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE
DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800) 435-7532 FROM WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR
RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
Page 7
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
BEACH EROSION AT LIGHTHOUSE EXPOSES FOUNDATION (CONTINUED)
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
Page 8
USCG MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
On Sunday December 6th, 2015, during a USCG Aux Division Chang of Watch Ceremony, Art Makenian was
presented the USCG Meritorious Service Medal by Captain Austin J. Gourd, Commander Sector Miami, for his
Exceptional Meritorious Achievement and Superior Performance of Duties. The award was signed by S, A.
Buschman, Rear Admiral, USCG Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District.
Art Makenian, left, Captain Austin J. Gourd, Commander Sector Miami , right
Lighthouse Links:





Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society: HillsboroLighthouse.org
Florida Lighthouse Association: FloridaLighthouses.org
Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation: ReefLights.org
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation: FloridaTrust.org
National Trust for Historic Preservation: PreservationNation.org
Page 9
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
HILLSBORO LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM IS ENLIGHTENING TOURIST AND LOCALS!
The museum is located at: Hillsboro Inlet Park, A1A at 2700 N. Ocean Boulevard, Pompano Beach. It is
open Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday - 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. It is also open on Tour days from 9:00
am to 3:00 pm. On most other days you can arrange a private tour by contacting Judy Knoebel at: [email protected] or by phone 954-609-7974.
We are very proud of our loyal volunteers, Jerry Smeitanka, Cindy Malaney, Linda Peck, Mona Silverstein,
and Judy Knoebel who keep the Museum open every week. If you are interested in helping out for a 2
hour time slot, please contact Judy at [email protected] or 954-609-7974.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT—RALPH KRUGLER
Ralphs Story…
I first visited the light and wanted to be a part of it, but life
dictated and I did not have the time. I also didn’t know how
to go about it. A person I met was in the USCG-A (United
States Coast Guard Auxiliary) and told me that they assisted
on tour days at the light. I joined them in 2008 and assisted
on numerous tours.
Life later took me away from active membership in the USCGA and I re-joined HLPS in late 2013 or early 14 can’t remember, but this time asked if I could assist.
Since rejoining, I’ve been actively researching the history of
the light, the history of all the Florida lights, and Florida history so that I can answer as many questions and offer insights
to guests to give them the best experience possible .
I became a lifetime member of the HLPS in 2015..
From the editor.. Thanks for all your hard work Ralph!!
Jerry
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
Page 10
NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS— JUNE 2015 TO AUGUST 2015
Join today to help preserve our lighthouse's heritage,:
 A subscription to our newsletter "The Big Diamond"
 Free admission to all tours, programs, and lectures
 Timely updates to events related to the lighthouse
Membership rates:
Individual
$25.00 / year
Family
$50.00 / year
Business
$100.00 / year
Lifetime
$500.00 or more. Lifetime is a one-time fee
To apply or for more information , please contact: [email protected]
Member
Petito/Knapp
Alan & Sandra Harvey
Alison Pease
Amy Sanislo
Anita Wietrzychowski
Anthony Minimi
April McKay
Beth MacArthur
Beverly Spivey
Brian & Dominique Payton
Brian Sladek
Brigitte Delezal
Bryan & Eva Maxson
Candice ViVenzio
Cheryl Woods
Chris Maholm
Cindy Lemak
Craig / Ann Parrish
David Conner
Debbie Causey
Deborah Bardill
Dennis Crudele
Dennis Mora
Don & Mary Rogers
Donna Herb
Ed & Margaret McGrath
Edward Sweet
Eric & Amiee Shahan
Eric Von Gruenigen
F. Mitchell Dotton
Florida Shores Bank *
Frank & Dionne Donadio
Frank McElroy
Fred & Tania Kussel
Gaetan Vigneault
George & Sue Miceli
George Stevens
Gerri Collins
Golden Passport Photos *
Gordon DeBlaay
Grass River Publishing LLC *
Gunter Bulwahn
Gwen Kunselman
Hans W. Oksnevad
James K Buehner, Jr.
Jay & Richard Catanese
Jeanne Johnson
Jeff & Sue Krawec
Jeff Allen
Jeff Schuyler
Jennifer Farmer
JoAnn Daria Cross
John & Donna Carbone
John Garvin
John T. Kennedy
John-Michael Ruddy
Jonathan Jones
Judith Bakula
Judith Martin
Julie Tyler
Kamlesh B. Oza
Karen Deveau
Karl Sydor
Kathleen Dempsey
Kathy Berkowitz
Kelly Lee
Ken & Karen Arbuckle
Kenneth C Donahey
Kim Grimes
Kimberly Heidel
Kimberly Palmer
Linda Speece
Lindy Book **
Lisa Markley
Manal Zippa
Marcey Carabelli
Marci Kolondra
Maria Alvarez
Maria Raimondi
Marianne Primrose
Marie Briggs
Marita Brochu
Mark & Mary Decker
Mark Long
Marlyn Kleinhenz
Mary Brandon
Matt Harold
Matthew Tuthill
Maurine Kozol
Melissa Gessner
Michael Fischer
Michael Tiffin
Michelle Hecht
Micki Jones
Mike & Beth Brandenburg
Mike & Terry Roth
Mike McTiernan
Molly Smith
N. & Sandy VonStaden
Nils Jacobsen
Nora Sanchez
Norm King
Palm Tree Doctor *
Patrick Brill
Paul Leyva
Paul O'Duffy
Peter Granzano
Randy Kelsey
(Continued on page 11)
Page 11
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society
January 2016
NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS— JUNE 2015 TO AUGUST 2015 (CONT)
(Continued from page 10)
Rich & Norma Schwartz
Rob Major
Robert D. Williams
Robert Scott
Robert Scott Ireland
Robin Vandenburg
Ronald H. Goodrow
Sarah Atkinson
Shel & Claudia Langsan
Stacey Rogers
Stephanie Lee & Cheryl Dunn
Stephen Robinson
Steve Cavrudatz
Sue Richards
Susan Hudson
Thomas Ayres
Thomas R. Page
Tom Marau
Tracy Mocello
Veronica McInnes
Victoria Kimball
Will & Jane Davison
Wyndham Deerfield Beach *
+ Organization
* Business
** Lifetime
MONETARY AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS
Cassill Foundation (Shaw & Selback families)
Dailey
Hib & Martha Cassellberry
BEACH EROSION AT LIGHTHOUSE EXPOSES FOUNDATION (CONTINUED)
Hillsboro Lighthouse Arial Photo Circa 1972
You as a member, volunteer or as a reader to this article can demonstrate your support for this and other
projects by donating and contacting your County, State and Federal Government representatives.
Arthur Makenian, President Emeritus, Curator and Preservationist, HLPS
Return Service Requested
Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society, Inc.
P. O. Box 326
Pompano Beach, FL 33061-0326
www.hillsborolighthouse.org
NON PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
FT LAUD FL
PERMIT 2224
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purchasing a 'VISIT OUR
LIGHTS' auto tag.
Photo by Helbert Ruiz
www.saveourlights.com